KK Members Blog

On Friday night, an original six match-up occurred between the Habs and Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena in Hockeytown.

This battled featured a battle of two of the best young goalies in the game, Cary Price and Jimmy Howard.

The Red Wings won the game 4-2. The Canadians were down 3-1 after two periods, yet put on a strong push in the third period and outshot the Wings 20-3 and cut the lead to 3-2 late in the third. An empty net goal by Patrick Eaves sealed the win for the Wings 4-2.

Jimmy Howard was the first star of the game and stood on his head, especially in the third period.

The Canadians played shorthanded most of the first period. They were leading 1-0 and nearly fought off a 5-3PK until Nick Lidstrom scored with a little more than a second left in the first period.

Nick Kronwall and Paval Datsyuk scored for the Wings in the second period. Datsyuk’s goal was another highlight reel goal as he broke in on Cary Price and put a backhand shot past Cary Price on the short side.

The Wings literally held on in the third period as the Canadian dominated the play. Jimmy Howard stole this game for the Wings.

Some thoughts from the game:

Nick Lidstrom played an outstanding game. He scored the Wings first goal and played an outstanding game defensively. He has to be in the lead for the Norris Trophy at this point of the season, at forty years old. He has not slowed down one bit and may be the second best defenseman ever, behind Bobby Orr.

Pavel Datsyuk has had an outstanding season to-date. There is not a stronger two-way player in the game and he performs his magic virtually every game. Crosby may be the leading Hart nominee, but Datsyuk has been the best Red Wings forward so far this year and should get some votes.

You just have to love Danny Cleary. After being a first round draft choice and struggling with several teams, Dan Cleary found his home in Detroit. His work ethic every shift is to be admired.

Speaking of work ethic, the Red Wings fourth line of Derrick Helm, Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller may be the best fourth line in hockey. They have great work ethic, play consistently strong defensively and chip in with some timely goals. This line was on ice in the final minute of the Canadians game. Coach Babcock obviously has faith in them.

The Canadians probably deserved a better fate; but the Wings will gladly take the two points before heading to New Jersey to take on the Devils on Saturday.